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The River Witch Kindle Edition

4.1 out of 5 stars 206 ratings

She’s a witch who carries a window into Faerie. He’s an assassin who’s been sent to steal it…

Tabitha is a misfit. Hopelessly naïve, she’s never left the village she grew up in – until now.

When strange monsters rise from the river to attack her people, Tabitha’s sent on a desperate journey to seek aid from the fabled Iron City.

Armed with only the stone necklace her mother left her and a book of fairytales, Tabitha faces a world full of dangers, both human and fae.

And when a trio of mischievous sprites and a handsome, charming wanderer offer to join her, she’s only too willing to accept their help.

But she’s about to learn that not everyone is quite who they seem…

The River Witch is a quirky, gentle young adult fantasy set in a world inspired by Celtic myth. If you enjoy Holly Black's dark faerie stories, the sense of adventure in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, and Juliet Marillier's romantic mythology, then you'll love the River Witch series.

Escape the real world and dive into this magical fantasy series today – free to read in Kindle Unlimited.

Now a new extended edition.

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 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Helena Rookwood has spent a long time researching all there is to know about Faerie, and she's happiest when she's poring over old books and imagining what the world used to be like. More recently, Helena has also been wondering what the world might be like in the future - whether there will ever be a turn back to the Old Ways, when people cared about stories and the little people and the land they lived on. This was the starting point for her River Witch series, a deliciously dark tale about fairies and witches and earth-magic which is set in post-technology Britain. She promises you'll love it.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B077DHVW3Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 25, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 410 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ River Witch
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 206 ratings

About the author

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Helena Rookwood
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Helena Rookwood is obsessed with all things fae, fantasy and folklore. From a little house in Scotland which overlooks the hills, she spends her time poring over old books about the Old Ways, when she imagines everything might have been just a little bit more magical, and greedily tearing through more recent books by other fantasy authors – some of her favourites include Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Holly Black.

When Helena manages to get her nose out of a book, you can find her roaming the hills in search of the little folk,* opening cupboard doors quickly in case she finally discovers Narnia,** and mulling over the unhappy fact that she probably would have been a hobbit and not an elf had she lived in Middle Earth.***

*foraging for wild snacks

**searching for less-wild snacks

***did you even read the other footnotes about snacks?

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
206 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline original and engaging, with one review noting it gets better with each sequel. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer highlighting its well-written first few chapters. Additionally, the characters are compelling, and customers appreciate the writing style, with one review praising the author's impressive control over the pacing of the story.

29 customers mention "Storyline"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it intriguing with an original premise and gripping plot, with one customer noting that it gets better with each sequel.

"...I just found each and every one of these books very interesting and wanted to follow on with the story not only because it was about the world of Fae..." Read more

"...life difficult for the thief and the girl.. This is an adventure story with fantasy, trickery, friendship, and mystery thrown in for good measure...." Read more

"I loved the idea of this book. The author started the story strong and the first few chapters were well written...." Read more

"...I am glad I read this book. It is a wonderful start to a new series...." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting that the first few chapters were well written.

"...These are all just very good books, I can't recommend enough!..." Read more

"...The author started the story strong and the first few chapters were well written...." Read more

"...It is a wonderful start to a new series. I was so glad to read this book and find that I could also let children read this due to no sex secnes in..." Read more

"...The suspense of not knowing who or what to trust was well done and faith in those she considered her friends was touching...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character depth"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters compelling, with one customer particularly appreciating the romance developing between the main characters.

"...The characters are likeable, but not perfect. They are stubborn and have insecurities just like real people. I like that in the stars of the book...." Read more

"...I loved it and fell in love with the story and characters." Read more

"...I found the characters compelling, and the story gets better with each sequel...." Read more

"...I think the premise is interesting and characters had potential. Perhaps with more experience the author's style will improve...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting its impressive control over pacing.

"This book started a bit slowly but developed at a good pace. Tabitha has no idea why she is different and is very innocent and naive...." Read more

"Author had impressive control over the pacing of the story. Nice even story with a gorgeous cover...." Read more

"...and I just love her writing style. and I love that she answers when you send her a message...." Read more

"...Sentence structure was absolutely atrocious, as well. Still, I believe there's time for the Rookwood to do justice to the overall plot...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've read some of the other reviews and am just really surprised by some of the negative thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I know we all have our own thoughts and opinions but I have to totally disagree with all of those negative reviews. I found this entire series just fascinating! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and it cannot get here soon enough! I started The Wild Hunt thinking it was going to be the last book of the series but happily realized there would be more, yay, for me lol. I loved the story of Tab and if you read the Hagstone prequel I think it really helps to read it first, as it sets up the beginning of Tab's story with some important facts that help you understand her story and how and why she and her grandmother as well as the people in the village act and do the things they do. Hellen creates two very different worlds that you can almost feel yourself in with Tab, from the village by the river that I swear I could almost smell, and going with her through all of her travels to the ruins and countryside, to being on a raft in the river. Then when she actually gets them into the world of Fae, I felt as though I could see, hear, and get a sense of all of the many different creatures good, bad, and just freakishly weird that you would think you'd find in Fae. I just found each and every one of these books very interesting and wanted to follow on with the story not only because it was about the world of Fae, but watching a young girl with the odds stacked against her and more family secrets than she knows what to do with. You get to see her learn and grow and become the young woman she always wanted to be. These are all just very good books, I can't recommend enough! I would say as one reviewer did that it's good for young girls or teens, but I'm an adult and believe if you like fantasy you'll enjoy these books at any age!
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The adventure begins and the fae are tricky. Follow the travelers as make their way to the Iron City as the fae make life difficult for the thief and the girl.. This is an adventure story with fantasy, trickery, friendship, and mystery thrown in for good measure. The characters are likeable, but not perfect. They are stubborn and have insecurities just like real people. I like that in the stars of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what further adventures and mishaps await the pair. Honored to be able to review this book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved the idea of this book. The author started the story strong and the first few chapters were well written. However, about midway through the book, the writing became extremely sloppy. I found myself rolling my eyes at the lack of character development/general flatness. Sentence structure was absolutely atrocious, as well. Still, I believe there's time for the Rookwood to do justice to the overall plot. A fantasy novel set in the distant future has the potential to be a great read. I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'll be purchasing the next book in the series.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first time I have ever read a book by Helena Rookwood before. I am glad I read this book. It is a wonderful start to a new series. I was so glad to read this book and find that I could also let children read this due to no sex secnes in the book. I loved it and fell in love with the story and characters.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book started a bit slowly but developed at a good pace. Tabitha has no idea why she is different and is very innocent and naive. As events slowly unravel she is learning more about the world, the fae and herself. I think reading the prequel is a must because there were too many things unexplained. I am starting it now. The suspense of not knowing who or what to trust was well done and faith in those she considered her friends was touching. I look forward to the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Author had impressive control over the pacing of the story. Nice even story with a gorgeous cover. I didn't find myself captivated by the main character or really rooting hard for her but I did really enjoy the read. This review comes across as tepid but that's not the book. The book of good. I'm injured and it's me, not the book. I think the author has done an expert job of controlling the build to a great series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a fun read, seems to be shaping up as an intricate tale, although Lysander defection was a bit hollow and easy. That morph could have had more depth. Rockford s writing needs development, but as a new author her storyline is different with opportunity to keep the reader interested as the adventures unfold. I'd probably read the next book to see how her writing improves and how the tale progresses, provided I'm not waiting too long for its arrival.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Like some others, I was confused by the criticism of of the writing and the story. As a former newspaper reporter/editor, I'm VERY picky about the writing, and I thought this was just fine. There were a few errors, but nothing that distracted from the story. I liked the setting in a post-modern Britain where technology's misuses had lead to destruction. This is NOT a dystopian Hunger Games fairy tale by any means, however. This is very much a coming-of-age story of a young woman who doesn't fit in and struggles to find her purpose and use for her unique talents. I found the characters compelling, and the story gets better with each sequel. I have read all three of her novels so far and am eagerly waiting for The Wild Hunt.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Dave the Modest Seraph
    5.0 out of 5 stars I found this book totally wonderful. I liked the setting and the characters and ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I found this book totally wonderful. I liked the setting and the characters and the mystery that slowly unfolds. I thought Tabitha was extremely well 'realised' - she is naive and a teenager and her decisions were made entirely in this context. I eagerly turned the pages - actually I pressed on my Kindle :) and was sad to reach the end. I have now invested in the next 2 in the series (2 available at time of writing review)
  • gerri mac
    5.0 out of 5 stars twas great curling up in front of the fire with the ...
    Reviewed in Australia on May 12, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    twas great curling up in front of the fire with the "River Witch' books and escaping for a while from this world in to the fairy world! an enjoyable read!
  • Matt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great read. The River Witch offers up an introductory glance into what may become, while showing much promise for another fantastical fae world. New ideas and creative writing offered a clean easy read. Well done !!
  • Zoe
    4.0 out of 5 stars For younger reader perhaps
    Reviewed in Australia on April 7, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The writing was good, I liked the world building. Not a lot happened story wise but altogether a good quick read.
  • Roxy
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great starting point
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is very much the start of a story rather than a full one, but I enjoyed it.

    Tabitha is just trying to do the right thing, makes all the right decisions, and yet she still gets thoroughly shat upon. I love it. She's practical but anxious and a little bit dippy and I found it easy to like and relate to her. I also really loved her interactions with the sprites, and I hope we get more to their story. You're not given much information about the world in general but Tab's a village girl and frankly fences puzzled her (she's seriously so precious), so I can't wait to learn more as she does.

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